[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 17, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT LEE SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2019

  Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of Mr. Robert Lee Smith. For decades, Robert pursued public 
service as a dedicated teacher, school administrator, and a member of 
the United States Air Force. We have lost a great leader, a tremendous 
educator, and a dear friend and advisor.
  Robert dedicated his life to sharing knowledge. He sought out 
opportunities through which he could give back to his community, 
progressing first as a high school valedictorian and scholarship 
recipient to earning degrees from Florida A&M University and Columbia 
University Teachers School in education and school administration. As 
an exceptional Communications Specialist in the United States Air 
Force, education remained a focus as he additionally served as a part-
time instructor and education services coordinator. Robert's service 
was rewarded with the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct 
Medal, and the Outstanding Airman Award. He was Honorably Discharged as 
a Sergeant on June 10, 1956. Robert knew what it meant to serve his 
community and our nation. He always went above and beyond to improve 
the lives of those around him.
  Robert's 36-year career in the Broward County School System enriched 
the lives of thousands of students, having served as a well-respected 
and cherished elementary school teacher and principle. His leadership 
expanded far beyond school walls, as he was president of Justice for 
All in Broward and the Golden Heights Homeowners' Association and he 
was the first African-American president of the Fort Lauderdale 
Optimist Club. He was also a leader in the First Baptist Church Piney 
Grove and his 63-year membership included serving as a Deacon and as 
Chairman of the Deacon Board. Undoubtedly, Robert's membership to the 
NAACP and position as Board Chairman for the L.A. Lee YMCA ensured his 
indelible mark on every facet of our community.
  I extend my deepest condolences to Robert's wife, Betty; his 
daughter, Anitha Rhodette; his son-in-law, Darrell; his grandson, 
Kamyron; and his entire family during this extremely difficult time. 
His life and legacy will always live on and he will be dearly missed.

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